Criteria for the selection of a Research Problem - Things to Consider

Research is an activity undertaken to bring out new knowledge. Generally, there are three purposes for conducting research:

§  Adding new data

§  New interpretation of known data

§  Subordination of data to a principle (framing theories)

The primary and most important step in the research is to select a research topic. The research problem undertaken for the study must be carefully selected. Every researcher must find out his own research problems and it cannot be borrowed. A problem must spring from the researcher’s mind. A research guide can at the most only help a researcher to choose a subject.

Questions of Where, Who, When and What

Louis Gottschalk, in his work Understanding History, proposes that a beginner in the field of historical research can easily discover a subject that interests him by asking four sets of questions:

(   1)   Where? – The first set of questions is geographical. This means the researcher should select a particular geographical area for his research.

(   2)   Who? – The second set of questions is biographical. This denotes the researcher should select a particular group of people for his study.

(   3)   When? – The third set of questions is chronological. This indicates the researcher should select a particular period for his research.

(   4)   What? – The fourth set of questions is functional or occupational. This stand for the researcher should select a particular area of human interest, such as economics, culture, politics, and so on.

Ask Multiple Questions

The selection of the problem of research is to be linked with several questions such as:

§     What is the purpose of the study?

§     How much is already known?

§     Is additional information is necessary?

§    Can the required data be collected?

§     Can a hypothesis be formulated?

§     Is time/money adequate for the research?

Interaction with the Experts and Free Discussions

The selection of a research problem is the first step toward research hence the interaction with the experts is necessary. The interaction will give a better vision of the feasibility of the study and the availability of sources. It also will help the researcher to formulate his research questions and hypotheses.  

Internal or Personal and External Criteria

Generally, the selection of a research problem includes both external criteria and personal criteria.  External criteria cover matters such as novelty and importance of the theme, availability of data and method, and institutional or administrative cooperation. Personal criteria involve factors like interest, training, cost and time, etc.

1. Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplication

The subject which is overdone should not be normally chosen, for it will be a difficult task to throw any new light in such a case.

2. Significance

The subject selected for research should be familiar and have relevance. The significance for the field involved, timelines and practical value in terms of application and implementation of the results.

3. Too narrow or too vague problems should be avoided

The researcher should focus on a particular issue at the very same time it should be not too narrow or too vague.

4. Availability of data and method

The data under consideration must meet certain standards of accuracy, objectivity and verifiability.

5. Interest and intellectual curiosity

One of the personal motives for choosing a research topic is personal curiosity, accompanied by genuine interest and personal satisfaction and enjoyment.

6. Special equipment and working conditions

The researcher must ask himself whether he is well equipped in terms of his background to carry out the research? Whether he need any special equipment or training?

7. Costs and returns

The candidate must consider carefully his own financial resources in the light of such facilities and assistance as can be provided by the institution.

8. Time factor

The researcher must be aware of the cost factor of the proposed research work. The researcher should be conscious of his budget and economic situation.

Conclusion

The selection of a problem must be preceded by a preliminary study. If the subject for research is selected properly it will be easy for the researcher to conduct his work. The subject or the problem selected must involve the researcher and must have an uppermost place in his mind so that he may undertake all pains needed for the study.